From Sacramento, Douglas McLean doesn’t consider himself a prophet, but his first solo album provides many inspired utterances, statements of purpose, and declarations of divine will. A perusal of the album’s lyrics on-line indicate that McLean is well versed with such poets and novelists as Neil Monro (1864-1930), Prince Charles Edward Stuart (1720-1788), Joseph Train (1779-1852), James Graham, Marquis of Montrose (1612-1650). In fact, McLean composed the music to accompany five poems from these gentlemen. In one example, Joseph Train’s “Old Scotia” was originally written as a short song with nostalgic sentiments of Scotland. McLean’s version uses his own music, as well as additional words. In his own self-penned “Highland Prophecy,” McLean speaks to “the demise of the Highland way of life.” A yearning and fire burn deep in this bard’s heart, and he proclaims optimistically that “The prophecy will come at last, The child of the Gael will return again.”
McLean’s love of Scotland is very apparent as he sings with a smooth reverent baritone, accompanied by his guitar, dulcimer and bodhran. Multi-instrumentalist and producer Chris Caswell played bagpipes, button accordion, pennywhistle, small pipes, wood flute and djembe. Others contributing are Duncan McMartin (fiddle), Larry Baird (mandolin), Roxanne Cargill (glockenspiel), and Winter (electric Bass and guitar on “Highland Prophecy”). McLean’s music is wistful, nostalgic and thoughtful. He’s even taken to learning the Gaelic language which he uses to sing the traditional “Mo Shuil A'd Dheidh,” a song of parting that translates as “My Eye is Crying.” McLean has a keen interest in Celtic culture, language, music and heritage. While his music is sturdy and self-assured, it may be a bit esoteric for some. “Highland Prophecy” is an auspicious solo debut for McLean. (Joe Ross)

I wondered if it were just me...but the pull toward Scotland has been great in the past year. I guess it must be the prophecy! As Steve McDonald wrote in "My Heart Belongs to Scotland": "Yes I know my heart belongs to Scotland, be it not how near or far we roam. Yet still I hear thee a long way calling, calling out to carry my soul back home..."